Sounders FC ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s MLS power rankings

After finally getting the best of the L.A. Galaxy last week and beating Philadelphia on Saturday, the Seattle Sounders FC has jumped to a 6-1-1 record — and the top spot in ESPN’s Major League Soccer power rankings this week.

Fredy Montero celebrates with teammate Eddie Johnson, 7, after Montero scored his first goal of the season against the Galaxy on May 2. (Sofia Jaramillo/seattlepi.com)

“So the Sounders have played just two road games, but you still have to win at home, and victories over L.A. and Philly mean the Sounders have dropped fewer points than anyone in MLS,” ESPN said. “Their defense has been in lockdown mode, with just three goals conceded.”

Defense!

The Sounders were ranked fourth just a week ago. They leaped ahead of the previous leader, San Jose, after the Earthquakes lost to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. But with a 7-2-1 record, San Jose still stands atop the Western Conference standings. Seattle, which lost to the Earthquakes in March, is in third place behind Real Salt Lake.